Graduation Day

Well, my dear daughter graduated from high school last night. What started as a bitter sweet decision on her part to actually attend and participate, turned into a beautiful, but long evening. Having attended a Roman Catholic High School, the ceremony was bathed in prayer with a special message from the parish priest. Thankfully Mother Mary wasn't mentioned. As much as I don't agree with some aspects of the Catholic faith and the whole mariology, there are many similarities. The priest shared about the Holy Spirit or the Spirit of Truth that he said lived within "us". Of course I interpret that as "born again" Christians, but I know that is not the jest of what those of the Catholic faith believe. He spoke of following the Spirit of Truth in our lives and putting Jesus Christ at the center. I appreciated the message but it was unfortunate that many of the graduates probably thought that is was a long and boring message that they didn't understand. I don't doubt that there are some regenerated Christians in their midst that would receive that message, but on the whole I'm guessing that the over 1000 guests that were in attendance may not understand the meaning. Generous claims put Christians in Canada at around 15%. I hesitate to guess that that number is more like 2% of the population that profess to be born again Christians. Certainly the minority in many ways. That said, I still appreciated the Christian flavor at the ceremony compared to the public board. Of course both high schools in our town had their graduations and even though the Catholic kids received the message of Christ, many of them still went to the massive grad party that lasted into the morning just like their public high school friends. Pretty hard to be "holy" and "set apart" when there is little difference in life style.
I feel for the kids of today and especially if they are trying to be "set apart". The "World" tells our kids that as long as they practice "safe sex" they can do as they please. Alcohol and drugs are a way of life and the more the better. Satan is having a hay day with our young people. He is successful at deceiving the majority of them. No child is completely safe and immune from falling into sin. We deceive ourselves if we think they are. The most sheltered and indoctrinated child can develop a twinge of curiousity that will cause them to stumble. Certainly I believe that the Christian home has a better foundation to steer clear of Satan, but we always have to be on guard and stand in the gap for our kids. Praying hedges of protection when our children are not in our midst is crucial at every age. Television and internet have opened up a whole new avenue for temptation. Even the most complicated of internet filters can be overcome by the devious mind.
I think I have gone into a bit of a rant here, but I guess it comes with the territory of being the mom of a teenager. Praying for and handing over my child to the Lord on a daily basis is a priority that I need to be more committed to.